Savannah janitor John Quarterman works hard to support his daughter and two grandchildren, all of whom live with him.

But Quarterman, 55, said he was falling behind on his bills and was wondering how he'd pay for clothes and shoes for the children.

That was before he learned about the federal earned income tax credit. Now he is expecting to receive a check for about $4,000 from the Internal Revenue Service.

"It's going to help me catch up," he said. "It will make a big difference."

Today, Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson will help launch a national drive to encourage more people to emulate Quarterman - and claim the credit.

The earned income tax credit - known as EITC - is one of the few tax breaks available to the working poor. It allows families of four with incomes of up to $40,000 to collect refunds.

A recent U.S. Census study found that 4.6 million people - including 2.4 million children - were lifted out of poverty in 2002 because of the credit.

Johnson is due to appear at a Washington news conference today that is billed to include U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. and other officials. The mayor is representing the National League of Cities.

Johnson is expected to talk about Savannah's efforts to get more people to use the credit. The main tool: free tax preparation services, including EITC applications for those who qualify.

Savannah public information director Bret Bell said federal officials estimate that $10 to $15 million in potential credits went unclaimed in the city last year.

Last year, Bell said, the city - working with local nonprofit groups - helped 646 people claim the credit and collect a total of $1.2 million. This year's goal, he said, is $2 million, and the city is spending about $100,000 to help operate the sites.

"There are a lot of people who don't file," Johnson said.

"Essentially, it's their money. We feel an obligation as city officials to highlight that."

ASSISTANCE SITES

Here are addresses, contacts and telephone numbers for Volunteer Income Tax Sites. Sites are in Savannah unless otherwise noted. Call for hours of operation.